Preparation

Place broth in a medium saucepan; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat so the broth remains steaming, but is not simmering.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in squash and mushrooms; cook, stirring often, until the mushrooms give off their liquid, about 5 minutes. Add thyme, salt, pepper and saffron (if using); cook for 30 seconds. Add rice; stir until translucent, about 1 minute. Add wine (or vermouth) and cook, stirring, until almost absorbed by the rice, about 1 minute.

Stir in ½ cup of the hot broth; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring constantly, until the liquid has been absorbed. Continue adding the broth ½ cup at a time, stirring after each addition until all the liquid has been absorbed, until the rice is tender and creamy, 30 to 40 minutes total. (You may have some broth left.) Remove from the heat and stir in cheese.

Note: Literally the dried stigma from Crocus sativus, saffron is the world's most expensive spice. Over 75,000 flowers are required for each pound of saffron. Fortunately, a little goes a long way. It's used sparingly to add golden yellow color and flavor to a wide variety of Middle Eastern, African and European-inspired foods. Find it in the specialty-herb section of large supermarkets, gourmet-food shops and tienda.com. Wrapped in foil and placed in a container with a tight-fitting lid, it will keep in a cool, dry place for several years.

Reviews 15

Average for amount of work
I thought the recipe would be delicious but it was just average. For the amount of time it took me to make this and reduce the wine each time by 1/2 cup, I would never make it again. There are lots of other vegetarian recipes out there that make delicious meals.
Cons: Takes a long time for little flavor

October 27, 2013

By: rheyman

Loved this recipe
I roasted the squash first, which made it easier to cut and also allowed the sweet flavor of the squash to infuse the risotto.
Pros: Healthy and Delicious
Cons: None

February 04, 2012

By: EatingWell User

I followed another reviewer's advice and cut ths squash into smaller cubes. I could't find shiitake, so I used small portabella, and fresh thyme, along with homemade chicken stock. Very tasty, very satisfying.

January 08, 2012

By: EatingWell User

Delicious and creamy, not heavy
This was delicious. I added a little extra squash, as well as some vegan ground beef. It was satisfying and made for a good dinner by itself.

December 12, 2011

By: EatingWell User

I loved this
This recipe was so tasty! I have never cooked risotto or cooked with butternut squash but this recipe was easy. I cut the squash in 1/2 cubes and it came out perfectly. Otherwise, I followed the instructions exactly. The saffron added great flavor. I was surprised at how the flavor of butternut squash ran through the entire dish making it almost candied. I highly recommend.
Pros: delicious
Cons: time consuming

November 26, 2011

By: Yelena Y.

My first risotto
I'm new to this, and I think I did everything right, and it was delicious. I doubled the rice portion and tripled the mushroom portion because I had a surplus of both. I feel like the squash doesn't add much to the recipe, but it's also my first time experimenting with butternut squash. I did what others recommended - I parboiled the squash, and I think it may have been better if I made much smaller cubes of the squash.
Pros: Easy and delicious
Cons: May need larger portions

November 23, 2011

By: EatingWell User

Came out great
Followed the recipe with a few minor changes. I did listen to previous reviews and cut the squash up smaller. Cooked it for longer than 5 minutes, just to make sure it would be cooked all the way by the end. Used baby bella mushrooms instead. Even though it's not eating well, I added two tablespoons of butter when I added the cheese at the end.
Pros: Budget friendly

June 09, 2011

By: undergroundbee

Tasty and easy!
I really loved this recipe. This was my first risotto recipe that I made it myself and I absolutely loved it. The risotto came out very flavorful and creamy - it did take time to cook up but recipe and ingredients are simple enough that I didnt' have to buy any extra herbs and seasoning that i might not use again. Great budget saver!
Pros: healthy, great lunch and dinner
Cons: it's time consuming to cut up kuri kabocha

January 31, 2011

By: hhthomas8

SO good!
I used sauteed summer squash instead of butternut, and added some cooked chicken strips in the last addition of broth. It was great, and a great next-day packed lunch too.
Pros: Reheats well, savory and delicious
Cons: Takes forever to cook